Vedge an Outstanding experience!

Have you ever ate a meal that took your breath away? 
Where each bite left you nearly speechless, and all you could get out is "this is so GOOD!"

A meal that you just couldn't conceive? A meal that was just so amazing that you sat there and wondered why you haven't ever known such flavors and textures before?

This is the only way that I can explain eating dinner at Vedge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Does the name Vedge sound familiar to you? How about the name Rich Landau?
Well if you've ever watched the FOOD NETWORK'S popular show Chopped, then you might know exactly who I'm talking about..."Vegan Chef Wins Food Network’s Chopped Competition"!

*From the Vedge website - Opened in Fall 2011, Vedge is a vegetable restaurant by Chefs Richard Landau & Kate Jacoby. Located in the historic Tiger Building on Locust Street, Vedge offers a classically elegant dining experience with a progressive, bold approach to cooking.

Vedge prides itself on being a “foodie’s” restaurant – for omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores alike.

Going to this restaurant was on my bucket list of dining experiences! 
Everyone claimed and told me how good it was, and so as expected my expectations were high. The thing is that when my expectations are set high I am rarely impressed and actually quite often than not disappointed.


Yet, somehow through each course I was shocked by how outstanding each and every bite was. There is some type of magic happening in that kitchen, because although I'm a vegan and a vegetable lover - vegetables have NEVER tasted so AMAZING!

This is a place where each bite is exquisitely delectable and the service is impeccable. Leaving you wanting for nothing. And fully knowledgeable about all the fine details of the unique menu. 
With 3 sections to choose from, serving sizes are small plates which allow for more to be tasted and tried. It is generally suggested that each adult order 3-4 plates from the VEDGE BAR, HOT KITCHEN, and THE DIRT LIST (see menu sample).

It takes major creativity to design the items listed on this menu, and sometimes a bit too much creativity turns out to be a #FAIL - but not here. 

Summer 2015 Menu

In fact:
In addition to running the ultrapopular Locust Street restaurant – which seems to garner more accolades each month – and developing a line of sauces for Williams-Sonoma, the pair somehow found time to publish a cookbook. The 225-page book, appropriately titled Vedge, contains 100 recipes “that place vegetables in the spotlight.” (credit Vedge.com)

Click on book for more info and to order!

Vedge: 100 Plates Large and Small That Redefine Vegetable Cooking

Having been to this restaurant only twice, yet between my own orders and my guest diners I have been lucky enough to try at least 21 different dishes! Most of which were all stand outs. A favorite from my most recent visit was the Rutabaga Fondue - so freakin good!
And although I am far from a potato lover (I don't even like potato chips or french fries), the Fingerling Fries with creamy worcestershire was th'BOMB! 
Don't even get me started about the Chilled Lemongrass Corn Soup - out of this WORLD! The foods sound familiar, but they are like flavor bombs in your mouth, it's so difficult to describe, but this is one restaurant with some of the most well made food out there!

Now by the time dessert round was up, my belly was full and the odd sounding desserts really didn't sound that intriguing. Sorry just being honest. I did however at least have a bite here and there to see what I thought. And although it wasn't my cup of tea, it certainly wasn't bad.

All in all, I throughly recommend this restaurant if you happen to be in or around the Philly area, and if not (such as me) then I suggest you plan a trip to go and check it out. Plus, I hear that there's plenty of sightseeing to be done in Philadelphia too!

Just be sure to call ahead for reservations.. 

Bon Appetit,
-T

Summer 2014 menu